What conservative Christianity doesn't understand is that Jesus and the Apostles are pro-socialism. Some quotes:
#1
Jesus: I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23).
#2
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despite the other. You cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).
#3
Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (Luke 6:27).
The first church was started by the Apostles, who were personally selected by Jesus. They way the early church operated was clearly socialist:
Acts 4:32-35:
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
And just to drive the point home, here's an exchange Jesus had with a rich man, who asked Jesus what he lacked to gain entrance to heaven:
Matthew 19:21:
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Jesus would clearly have a problem with billionaires if he were around today and definitely be pro-socialism, anti-Republican and pro-social welfare.
@vivify saidWrong. Jesus had no problem with money or the rich. His beef was with the stingy, the selfish, the greedy, those lacking in compassion, those who fail to be generous with their possessions. This is not a failure of the rich only as there are poor who have similar traits.
What conservative Christianity doesn't understand is that Jesus and the Apostles are pro-socialism. Some quotes:
#1
Jesus: I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23).
#2
No one can s ...[text shortened]... do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (Luke 6:27).
@vivify saidJesus isn't a conservative, progressive, socialist; none of those types of labels work for Him; these do; however, He is King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
What conservative Christianity doesn't understand is that Jesus and the Apostles are pro-socialism. Some quotes:
#1
Jesus: I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23).
#2
No one can s ...[text shortened]... do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (Luke 6:27).
@rajk999 saidCorrect. It wasn't being rich in of itself that was the problem. "The *love* of money is the root of all evil".
Wrong. Jesus had no problem with money or the rich.
The rich tend to value their wealth above all else. This is why so many wealthy corporations exploit workers and employ sweatshops; because wealth is more important than the human suffering that brings them their wealth.
Is it possible to be wealthy and generous with money, looking out for the poor and using wealth ease suffering and improve the lives of others? Of course. But looking at our world, this rarely happens. I can't imagine it was much different in the time of Jesus.
@kellyjay saidWell, he clearly had socialist views, even if he didn't subscribe to the label. Jesus believed the exact opposite of what conservative Christians support today.
Jesus isn't a conservative, progressive, socialist; none of those types of labels work for Him; these do; however, He is King of Kings, Lord of Lords.